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Fiche for records.

By Mr. Germain Séligmann

October 31st., 1936.

RE: COLLECTION OF MRS HAROLD PRATT

Mrs. Harold Pratt told me that her tapestry was not for sale but that nevertheless if a substantial offer were made she might part with it on account of the inheritance taxes that her children would have to pay at her death, as she was probably in around the 65% tax clause.

The only way she would sell the tapestry would be if one made an offer. When I told her that my customer would under no condition make an offer, and that furthermore, in order to make any sort of offer it was necessary to have a sort of basis, she asked me what I estimated the tapestry at, and I refused to commit myself.

After a great deal of aruging, she told me that Mr. Andrew Mellon was supposed to have offered $100,000., when it was still in the possession of Samuels, who was asking $125,000., for it, and that she paid a little less than $100,000., and that she certainly didn't intend losing any money on her purchase.

From this whole conversation I am under the impression that the tapestry could probably be bought around Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.).

Her reasoning as regards selling the tapestry also applies to the house, which is also her property, as well as to her paintings, Ispahan rugs and other works of art. Her paintings are -

1 - Pesselino ? Virgin and Child surrounded by Angels. Very lovely quality good condition under very strong influence of Botticelli or Filippo Lippi. Purchased at the Robert Hoe Collection for $1500 (Fifteen hundred)., formerly sold by Duveen for $50,000. from the Hanauer Collection. (23" high?)

2 - Siennese painting - Starnina (?) Very fine quality also Virgin and Child with small angels all along the line of the frame of ogival shape. 22" high (?)

3 - Sassetta - small triptych. Center part particularly attractive "Adoration of the Magi" on top, forming landscape - on the two wings saintly personages. 12-1/2" high (?)

Ferrara School - Cosimo Tura ? Virgin and Child on dark background - top painted in design of scroll - donor on the right, holy personage on the left  13" high?